The international short film and animation festival announced the winners of its 2023 edition this Saturday, November 11 at the PÖFF Shorts Award Ceremony.

The closed award ceremony claimed as the 'shortest in the world' took place en route to the Award Ceremony afterparty in Paavli Kultuurivabrik, was directed and produced by Siim Tõniste, Monika Tomingas and Heinrich Sepp.

The PÖFF Shorts European Film Academy candidate for the Best Short Film and the Rebels With A Cause winner will be announced on Saturday, November 18 at the Black Nights Film Festival closing ceremony.

PÖFF SHORTS NATIONAL COMPETITION
Award 1000€ presented by Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)
Jury: Katie Bignell, Flo Kasearu, Aneta Zagórska

BEST SHORT FILM
"Sour Milk" (Estonia, 2023)
Director: Vera Pirogova

Jury Commentary: "This was a poignant film about the complex nature of strained family relationships. Strong performances shine on screen from the compelling script, with the nature of disappointment and imprint of parenthood explored allowing the audience to sit in that difficult space."

JURY MENTION
"Boy" (Estonia, 2023)
Director: Vladimir Loginov

Jury Commentary: "A film that was deeply debated for its uncomfortable use of existing footage in an unfortunate familiar landscape of conflict. Challenging the audience and subverting expectations we felt it deserved the recognition for its unnerving impact."

PÖFF SHORTS ANIMATION COMPETITION
Jury:  Aurelia Aasa, Sara Gunnarsdóttir, Filip Kozlowski

BEST SHORT ANIMATION
Award 1000€ presented by Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)
"The Garden of Heart" (Hungary/Slovakia, 2022)
Director: Olivér Hegyi

Jury Commentary: "Beautiful in its humorous and sincere approach with visuals rhyming perfectly with its subject matter. Unforced and as the title says; straight from the heart."

JURY MENTION
"A Kind of Testament" (France, 2023)
Director: Stephen Vuillemin

Jury Commentary: "Unconventional, provocative and artistically disturbing sci-fi thriller on our cognitive restrains and fate."

BEST CHILDREN'S ANIMATION
"The Mystery of Missing Socks" (Estonia, 2023)
Director: Oskar Lehemaa

Jury Commentary: "Immersive, humorous and imaginative story that help us to rediscover the child’s point of view. We get to follow a child, a cat and a pair of socks under the bed to discover love and sympathy along with grave danger and suspense - mind the Roomba."

CHILDREN'S ANIMATION JURY MENTION
"My Name is Edgar and I have a Cow" (Czechia, 2023)
Director: Filip Diviak

Jury Commentary: "Warm, straightforward and sincere chronicle about a man - pet relationship told with subtle tone and dynamic rhythm."

BEST STUDENT SHORT ANIMATION - NEW TALENTS: ANIMATION
Presented by: Estonian Academy of Arts
"Sewing Love" (Japan, 2023)
Director: Xu Yuan

Jury Commentary: "Powerful, bold, dynamic parable about love relationships, told without compromises through beautifully vivid & colorful animation."

NEW TALENTS: ANIMATION JURY MENTION
"Opening Night" (Poland, 2023)
Directors: Sara Szymańska

Jury Commentary: "A melancholic break up story that isn’t afraid to use dialogue and keeps us in the moment through hypnotizing editing."

PÖFF SHORTS LIVE ACTION COMPETITION
Jury: Rodney Llaverías, Radka Weiserová, Kristofer Piir

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
Award 1000€ presented by Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)
"Cross my Heart and Hope to Die” (Philippines, 2023)
Director:  Sam Manacsa

Jury Commentary: “A masterclass in filmmaking - this film is both subtle yet powerful with strong direction throughout. The cinematography is beautifully precise and director Sam Manacsa establishes a world that is authentic, well designed, with perfectly crafted characters. The restrained editing only adds to the intrigue and sets up a memorable yet surprising ending. Outstanding on every level."

JURY MENTION
"Sisters of the Rotation" (Lebanon, 2023)
Directors: Michel Zarazir, Gaby Zarazir

Jury Commentary: "Lebanese filmmaking siblings, Gaby and Michel Zarazir deliver a surprising and original dark comedy that treats a heavy subject matter with the lightest of touches. The film is fresh, bold and most importantly hilarious."

BEST STUDENT SHORT FILM - NEW TALENTS: LIVE ACTION
Presented by Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School
"The Birthday Party” (Germany, 2023)
Director: Francesco Sossai

Jury Commentary: “A children’s birthday party serves as the perfect backdrop to a genre film that is both striking and deeply unsettling. The construction of drama around the party is particularly impressive, made even more powerful by the incredibly strong performances of both adult and child actors. A hugely engaging film with confident direction and visuals that stay with the audience long after the credits roll."

NEW TALENTS: LIVE-ACTION JURY MENTION
“Dreaming so Vividly about our Spanish Holidays” (Spain, 2022)
Director: Christian Avilés

Jury Commentary: “An experimental and poetic film that cleverly explores all aspects of the medium of cinema. A feast for the senses with visuals so textured you can almost feel the heat. The film is a stunning experience that also draws attention to the dark phenomenon of ‘balconing’. A brave, surreal and unique cinematic trip."

The Black Night Film Festival's PÖFF Shorts will run the last of its side programmes until November 15th. 
 
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